My first day at my internship was yesterday. I am placed at St. Dunstan's, which is a home, rehabilitation, and learning center for people who were previously in the military and are blind (or going blind). It is a HUGE place that's seven stories high, with large wings that house many different departments, activities, residences, and more. They have a gym, a pool, an arts and crafts center, a sports center, a restaurant, a lounge and dining room, and tons more that I haven't even discovered yet, I'm sure. With a place so large, I thought I might feel lost. However, I already feel more comfortable there than I ever did at the agency where I was an intern this past semester. Pretty much every person I ran into knew my name and that I was coming, and they welcomed me with open arms. I even have a name badge that sets me apart as one of the staff, and my title is "Student Social Worker."
On the first day, I walked in the door and was greeted by one of the security guards who already knew my name. He introduced me to my supervisor, Lynn, who is a quiet but incredibly nice lady. She took time to explain the agency to me, answer my questions, and show me around a bit. Then I had a fire tour, which is basically a tour of the building with a security guard who showed me what to do in case there's a fire. Then I had lunch with another intern, Julia, who is a social work master's student from the University of Brighton. She's very friendly and showed me what she does and how to get my lunch. We talked for a really long time about how the social work schools and professions are different between our two countries, and she explained their government structure to me a little. Then I went to a training on how to guide blind people if they need assistance. One man helping with the training (he also works there) was actually blind, and when he found out I was there, he was very excited. He knew I was coming and already knew my name. He came over to chat with me, and bought me tea and a cake (which is basically a biscuit with jam inside). He's a very friendly guy (or chap, as they call them here). My supervisor also offered to give me rides to and from campus when she can so I don't have to take the bus all the time. To say the least, I was incredibly impressed by their hospitality!
Today I accompanied a group of St. Dunstaners (this is what they call residents and those visiting who are members) on a day trip to Uppark House. It's an old English home that was built in the late 1600's. It belonged to several rich people, but none that are very famous. It was a beautiful house. The trip was really fun. Each employee was paired up with a St. Dunstaner, and we helped them around the place. For those who had a really hard time seeing, the home actually let them touch a few artifacts and cut flowers from their elaborate gardens so they could smell them. They did a great job allowing the people to get enjoyment out of the trip using their other senses. I was paired with a man named David, who is 91 and was drafted during World War II. He had many great stories to share. I also spoke quite a bit with a man named Gordon. He was very friendly, and told me all about how while he was in the army, he was stationed at Buckingham Palace. He would be in the changing of the guards, and has seen the queen many times. He was even at her coronation. It was so much fun to just talk to the St. Dunstaners and get to know them. I'm really looking forward to going in each day, which is an awesome feeling!
This weekend I'm off to London, Canterbury, and Leeds Castle. I'll continue to update pictures when I can! :)
On the first day, I walked in the door and was greeted by one of the security guards who already knew my name. He introduced me to my supervisor, Lynn, who is a quiet but incredibly nice lady. She took time to explain the agency to me, answer my questions, and show me around a bit. Then I had a fire tour, which is basically a tour of the building with a security guard who showed me what to do in case there's a fire. Then I had lunch with another intern, Julia, who is a social work master's student from the University of Brighton. She's very friendly and showed me what she does and how to get my lunch. We talked for a really long time about how the social work schools and professions are different between our two countries, and she explained their government structure to me a little. Then I went to a training on how to guide blind people if they need assistance. One man helping with the training (he also works there) was actually blind, and when he found out I was there, he was very excited. He knew I was coming and already knew my name. He came over to chat with me, and bought me tea and a cake (which is basically a biscuit with jam inside). He's a very friendly guy (or chap, as they call them here). My supervisor also offered to give me rides to and from campus when she can so I don't have to take the bus all the time. To say the least, I was incredibly impressed by their hospitality!
Today I accompanied a group of St. Dunstaners (this is what they call residents and those visiting who are members) on a day trip to Uppark House. It's an old English home that was built in the late 1600's. It belonged to several rich people, but none that are very famous. It was a beautiful house. The trip was really fun. Each employee was paired up with a St. Dunstaner, and we helped them around the place. For those who had a really hard time seeing, the home actually let them touch a few artifacts and cut flowers from their elaborate gardens so they could smell them. They did a great job allowing the people to get enjoyment out of the trip using their other senses. I was paired with a man named David, who is 91 and was drafted during World War II. He had many great stories to share. I also spoke quite a bit with a man named Gordon. He was very friendly, and told me all about how while he was in the army, he was stationed at Buckingham Palace. He would be in the changing of the guards, and has seen the queen many times. He was even at her coronation. It was so much fun to just talk to the St. Dunstaners and get to know them. I'm really looking forward to going in each day, which is an awesome feeling!
This weekend I'm off to London, Canterbury, and Leeds Castle. I'll continue to update pictures when I can! :)
Finally you made Alison. I am proud of you!!
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